Monday, February 25, 2008

The Weekender Bag - It's finished!

After a final four hour sewing session, my overnight bag was finished! I absolutely love it and I'm wishing I had somewhere to go besides the grocery store.

It's very sturdy (but I would like to add more interfacing at the bottom) and the peltex was easy to work with -- no puckering. It helps the bag to bow out which rounds out the seams, giving it a softer look. All the seams were manageable (not too bulky) by pre-trimming all the seam allowances. The piping seam should have been slightly wider -- my zipper foot kept sliding away so there's an occasional gap between the piping and seam.

An elastic edged side pocket was added for a water bottle (until it's confiscated by the FAA).My favorite part is that it can open like a suitcase. The little flaps (can't think of another name) and the back lining is padded so it can also hold a laptop. Because of the additional zippers, there are exposed seams (which are covered with bias tape).Project specs:Pattern: my ownFabric: Amy Butler Lotus (olive lace work and lime moon dots)Lining: espresso brown twillSize: humongous (maybe 20 x 12 x 8 at its largest)

Gorgeous! What a lovely job you did!I am thinking of making one myself, and was wondering how long of a zipper you used? I love how yours opens flat! Oh, my email is crazydaisyknits at gmail if it doesnt' show up for you-I can never get blogger to show me emails.

This is brilliant!! I love all the adaptations you made, the suitcase aspect thrilled me. I don't like my first two tries on this bag, so I'm taking another stab at it (ha!) and this time I'm thinking I'd like to try the extra zipper. Thanks for sharing your process!

Hello - i was just looking for Weekender Bag variations as I want to attempt my own - I LOVE how it opens suitcase style. Are you selling/sharing your version of the pattern? Iwould really love to incorporate that into my own. Thanks!